From Suwanee Patch and Lawrenceville Patch

Now that Christmas 2012 has come and gone, what to do with that old tree? Rather than just dragging the tree to the curb, why not give it a second life?  

Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful is asking you to bring your old tannenbaums to their annual "Bring One for the Chipper" tree recycling campaign.

Since after Christmas and until January 18, 2013, Gwinnett County residents can take their undecorated Christmas trees to one of several locations for recycling.

The following locations are in Norcross:

• Fire Station 1, 165 Lawrenceville St.
• Fire Station 11, 5885 Live Oak Pkwy., 30093
• Fire Station 23, 4355 Steve Reynolds Blvd., 30093

Click here for other locations across Gwinnett County.

On January 26, the collected trees will be taken to Bethesda Park in Lawrenceville, where they will be shredded. Much of the mulch will then be used to help keep Gwinnett County Parks beautiful.

Volunteers are needed for the shredding event. Those who are interested should visit the Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful website at www.gwinnettcb.org or call the office at 770-822-5187. All volunteers must be at least 14 years of age to take part.

Since 1984, Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful estimates it has kept more than 1 million trees from entering landfills. The organization says one Christmas tree weighs 20 pounds and takes up almost as much space in a landfill as a washing machine.

Gwinnett residents have recycled and estimated 1,400,000 trees and saved space in landfills since the program began.

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